I first tasted his wines a couple of years ago, the 2017s. Back then, I couldn’t fully appreciate them as I do...

I first tasted his wines a couple of years ago, the 2017s. Back then, I couldn’t fully appreciate them as I do today, but their unique style stayed with me. This time, I planned to visit his winery, but he already had another appointment. We still enjoyed his wines in Piemonte, a lot, but also wondering what it might have been like to meet Teobaldo in person. He’s known as a shy person and he does no advertising, he has no website etc… Also known as a true traditionalist who lets his wines ferment spontaneously in big barrels. Confident and gentle both in the cellar and in his vineyard. No machines are working on Montestefano. One-man show? Maybe. But there’s no showmanship tho. The wines speak for themselves. Everyone who tasted his wines for the first time falled in love, whether they are Nebbiolo lovers or not. They show finesse. At the same time, these wines reveal confident, proud tannins. Montestefano truly lives up to its name with strong structure and depth. The 2021 vintage comes with layers of violets, roses, raspberries, and cranberries, beautifully blending fruit and floral notes. Touches of pale tobacco emerge, while it is notably less licorice and spicier than bigger Nebbiolos. The lead-like minerality and remarkable acidity, every sip finishes vibrantly. It has a dramatic quality in it. The 2023 Langhe, after 30 minutes in the decanter, comes also with layers and complexity. It’s an exciting wine, offering far more than expected from a Langhe bottle. The fruit is clean, darker in aroma than the 2021, and while less focused and delicate than Montestefano, it still retains a sublime texture. His bottles are deeply seductive, with real depth. And they do linger in memory. #barbaresco #nebbiolo #montestefano #rivellaserafino #winediary #winesofinsta #winegram